Check out Carlos Perez’s Artwork

Carlos, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist. I was born in the Bronx in 1984. I earned my B.F.A. in Painting and Drawing along with minors in Anthropology & Ethnic Studies with a focus on African-American Studies. Several years later I moved to Atlanta, Georgia to obtain an M.F.A. in Sequential Art from SCAD. In 2017 I established Prime Vice Studios, a sequential art company specializing in comics.

Art was always a part of my life since childhood and have been compelled to do it. I did face many challenges and obstacles in my creative pursuits including lack of encouragement, contention and overcoming insecurities. Although I’ve quit art several times in my life the calling to create always pulled me back. Art has given me the harshest of pains but the greatest opportunities and my ultimate bliss. I’ve committed myself fully to the arts.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work? I’m a visual artist that creates comics for print and digital formats. I love to tell thought provoking tales through compelling artwork. Comedy is my overarching genre. I love to apply humorous attributes to different types of stories because it makes you think of the familiar in new ways.

My latest artwork is primarily digital because I can easily share it with the world and replicate it for print.

When I decided to become a comic book creator/ scholar it was with the intention to fill a void in the industry and academia. There is a lack of stories and educators of Latinx and African-American descent. I create stories that highlight these types of characters and also draw from their heritage, culture, and influence to represent being of the diaspora myself. During my academic career I had to overcome the resistance of ignorance and was often seen as a disruptor of status quo. This fueled my desire to become the change I wanted to see.

My role as an educator is to teach and encourage artists to fulfill their destinies. Growing up I didn’t have that. Eventually having compassionate mentors made a huge difference in my outlook and performance as a student & professional.

As a person I hope to continue being a change agent and resource for others. As an artist my expectation is that readers enjoy my work, find delight in it and find ways to share the experience with others whether it be through discourse or creating opportunities for positive change.

Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them? The biggest challenge facing artists today is creating a sustainable livelihood for yourself and finding proper funding.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork? People can see my work on www.primevice.com. on social media under @prime_vice or @LosComic for my personal work.

I can be supported by donating, commission or providing fruitful opportunities. I have a form anyone can fill out with their interest in working together or purchasing my art.